ICS Threat Hunt Analyst / Active Top Secret

Peraton•Arlington, VA

2d•$86,000 - $138,000•Onsite

About The Position

Peraton is currently hiring an Industrial Control System Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst for its Federal Strategic Cyber programs. This is an on-site role in Arlington, VA. In this role, you will conduct proactive threat hunting across operational technology (OT) and industrial control system (ICS) environments to identify adversary presence, misconfigurations, and indicators of compromise. You will leverage internet-facing asset discovery and reconnaissance platforms (e.g., Shodan, Censys) to identify exposed ICS/SCADA assets, assess attack surface, and inform threat assessments. You will perform open-source intelligence (OSINT) research and analysis to identify current and emerging threats targeting critical infrastructure sectors. You will analyze network traffic patterns, ICS communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, BACnet, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP, S7comm), and system architectures to identify anomalous or malicious activity. You will fuse multiple intelligence sources to develop products, recommendations, and inform priorities for the organization. You will research and investigate current threats in operational technology, specific critical infrastructure sectors, and mission areas to inform senior leaders and drive priorities for operational teams, including forward-deployed incident response and threat hunting functions. You will prepare assessments and cyber threat profiles of current events and trends within ICS/SCADA environments. You will escalate new or high-priority threats to the Cyber Physical Forensics Section as required. You will map ICS threat activity using the MITRE ATT&CK for ICS Framework. You will seamlessly work alongside a team of host, network, and cloud forensic analysts to meet mission requirements for both incident response and threat hunting engagements. You will identify potential open-source vulnerabilities existing within ICS/SCADA systems and assess exploitability in the context of real-world threat actor capabilities. You will identify classified threat intelligence reporting related to ICS/SCADA and analyze for adversary intent and capability. You will contribute to Pre-Deployment Readiness Packages and campaign tracking. You will produce high-quality papers, presentations, recommendations, and findings for senior U.S. government intelligence and operations officials.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience, or an Associate's degree and 4 years of relevant experience; or HS and 6+ years in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
Demonstrated experience conducting threat hunting, network reconnaissance, or vulnerability assessment in IT or OT environments.
Familiarity with ICS/SCADA systems, protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, BACnet, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP), and their associated security risks.
Hands-on experience with internet-facing asset discovery tools such as Shodan, Censys, or similar platforms for identifying exposed infrastructure.
Experience performing open-source intelligence (OSINT) collection and analysis to support cyber threat assessments.
Understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs) and how they apply to IT/OT convergence environments.
Experience researching and analyzing cyber threats across either a) multiple industries or b) multiple timeframes, including but not limited to critical infrastructure sectors.
Familiarity with common cyber threat intelligence tools such as DomainTools, VirusTotal, Maltego, exploit-db, etc..
Experience producing and completing all-source (unclassified and classified) finished intelligence assessments that adhere to ICD203 analytic tradecraft standards.
Proven ability to collaborate and establish key threat intelligence partnerships to bolster information sharing and defenses.
U.S. citizenship required.
An Active Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility.
Ability to obtain/maintain DHS EOD agency clearance prior to starting.

Nice To Haves

SANS GIAC Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP)
SANS GIAC Response and Industrial Defense (GRID)
SANS GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI)
SANS GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED)
SANS GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA)
SANS GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
CompTIA CySA+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificate Program (ICSCP)
Dragos Platform Certified Analyst
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Experience with network traffic analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, Zeek, NetworkMiner)
Experience with network scanning and enumeration tools (e.g., Nmap, Masscan)
Familiarity with ICS-specific threat intelligence platforms (e.g., Dragos WorldView, Claroty, Nozomi Networks)
Knowledge of NIST SP 800-82 (Guide to ICS Security) and IEC 62443 standards
Experience with SIEM platforms and log analysis in OT environments
Sector-specific experience in Energy, Water/Wastewater, Transportation, or Manufacturing
Understanding of PLC, HMI, RTU, and DCS architectures

Responsibilities

Conduct proactive threat hunting across operational technology (OT) and industrial control system (ICS) environments to identify adversary presence, misconfigurations, and indicators of compromise.
Leverage internet-facing asset discovery and reconnaissance platforms (e.g., Shodan, Censys) to identify exposed ICS/SCADA assets, assess attack surface, and inform threat assessments.
Perform open-source intelligence (OSINT) research and analysis to identify current and emerging threats targeting critical infrastructure sectors.
Analyze network traffic patterns, ICS communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, BACnet, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP, S7comm), and system architectures to identify anomalous or malicious activity.
Fuse multiple intelligence sources to develop products, recommendations, and inform priorities for the organization.
Research and investigate current threats in operational technology, specific critical infrastructure sectors, and mission areas to inform senior leaders and drive priorities for operational teams, including forward-deployed incident response and threat hunting functions.
Prepare assessments and cyber threat profiles of current events and trends within ICS/SCADA environments.
Escalate new or high-priority threats to the Cyber Physical Forensics Section as required.
Map ICS threat activity using the MITRE ATT&CK for ICS Framework.
Seamlessly work alongside a team of host, network, and cloud forensic analysts to meet mission requirements for both incident response and threat hunting engagements.
Identify potential open-source vulnerabilities existing within ICS/SCADA systems and assess exploitability in the context of real-world threat actor capabilities.
Identify classified threat intelligence reporting related to ICS/SCADA and analyze for adversary intent and capability.
Contribute to Pre-Deployment Readiness Packages and campaign tracking.
Produce high-quality papers, presentations, recommendations, and findings for senior U.S. government intelligence and operations officials.